If you’re looking to get a job as a 15-year-old, you have limitless opportunities. Your options may not be as vast as they will be when you get older. But some organizations will hire 15 years old with a permit from school. For instance, many grocery store chains hire teens to bag groceries or manage the stockroom. Your eligibility to work depends on your state laws, and the type of work available.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Get a Job?
The good news is that there are many ways to make money by focusing on your organic talent and learned skills. You can also do most of these on your own schedule. Check out these options below for landing an exciting and well-paying gig before you turn 16.
To organize your options, we’ve created categories for you to explore.
- Physical Jobs
- Mental Jobs
- Creative Jobs
- Seasonal Jobs
Physical Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Although it isn’t for everyone, some 15-year-olds enjoy physically demanding work. If you love to spend time outside while you work and are willing to break a sweat in the process, then a physical job could be the best bet for you. Plus, there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your skills and interests. Here are a few.
Farmworker
Maybe you already have experience working on your own family’s farm. If you have experience working on a farm and taking care of chores and animals, using these skills at a bigger farm could be an especially great job option. The work is likely to vary day to day, and different farms will require different tasks. For example, someone might want you to focus on feeding and caring for the animals, while another might want to focus on repair work or harvesting crops. Often, this is also an independent job, meaning you’ll usually be working by yourself, which is fantastic if you’re motivated and self-disciplined.
There’s plenty to learn about being a farmworker, although you can get started by learning more about planting and growing crops.
Lawn Mower
It’s a classic, but lawn mowing is still an excellent job for 15-years-olds looking to make some extra cash. If you already have a lawnmower and know how to work it, then that’s even better. Some clients might prefer their own mower, so be sure to ask their preferences before hauling yours to their home. To excel and ensure you are the go-to call for yard maintenance, go the extra mile. For example, start by clearing away any rocks, sticks, or other items of debris and moving them off the lawn. Learn more about making money by mowing lawns, from start to finish.
Depending on the climate, you might also suggest helping your neighbors with snow removal from their driveway or sidewalks.
Pool Cleaner
Pool cleaning is not just a job you can do during the summer. When someone has an in-ground swimming pool on their property, it’s a good idea to clean it every once in a while. Of course, not every person has the time or patience to clean their pool or keep up with maintenance. That’s why 15-year-olds can thrive by working as pool cleaners, even if they don’t have a work permit. You’ll use various tools to clean a swimming pool, including large nets and a special kind of vacuum cleaner. Then, all you need to do is get familiar with cleaning a swimming pool.
Car Mechanic
There will always be a demand for workers who know their way around a car. Even if you’re unable to get a mechanic position at the repair or auto body shop, you can still use your skills to make extra money. Chances are, the people in your community will need minor car repairs occasionally. The more you establish a name for yourself doing auto repairs, the more likely new clients will reach out to you. There’s a lot to learn about working on cars, but you can start by becoming comfortable changing an oil filter. You don’t even have to know how to drive to help someone else get on the road.
Bike Mechanic
Many people rely on their bikes as their primary mode of transportation, and bike repair is always a crucial service. Start by advertising your services and making a name for yourself as a bike repair person. You’ll be able to build an assortment of clients who will turn to you whenever they require bike maintenance or repairs. Get started on the basics by learning how to fix the brakes on a bike.
Car Washer
There are probably people throughout your community looking to have their cars washed. Car washing is a fantastic job for 15-year-olds. It doesn’t require much skill or know-how, and the tools are cheap. Depending on the climate, car washing can be a year-round job.
To stand out as a car washer, offer interior cleaning services as well as exterior washes. Those interested in all the ins and outs of working as a 15-year-old car washer can check out this helpful guide.
Dog Walker
If you love animals, especially dogs, and you like to be active and fit then perhaps your own dog walking business might be the perfect job for you. You get to help busy people, hang out with dogs and stay fit by walking your furry clients daily. If this sounds like a job for you, then click here to learn how to become a teenage dogwalker.
Mental Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Are you less interested in a physically demanding job and more interested in jobs where your brain is the most important muscle? There are plenty of jobs for 15-year-olds to choose from that let them use their brain. Here are a few examples to get you started.
Freelance Writer
If you’re the one that classmates are always asking to read their essays at school and consistently have As in English, then freelance writing might be an option. Even a 15-year-old can find work as a freelance writer, as many organizations seek a teen’s perspective. You just need strong writing skills and an interest in writing. Take advantage of this skill by writing for people who aren’t as comfortable doing it (or who don’t have the time to) themselves. If you’re interested in this type of job, put together a digital portfolio of your writing to showcase your skills to possible clients. Here’s how to become a freelance writer, even if you don’t have any experience.
Tutoring
If you excel at a particular subject, tutoring is a great gig for a 15-year-old. The best thing? You only need your brain and a pencil to succeed. Talk with your school’s administration to let them know you’re available for tutoring, and they can help connect you with other students who might be struggling. You could also talk with your local middle school to let them know you are available for tutoring.
Tutoring takes patience, and some students will still struggle even after you help them. However, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs on this list. Another perk for a busy teen looking for a job is that you can set your own schedule. The going rate for tutoring varies depending on subject and grade level, so do your research before setting prices. Still, be ready when a potential client asks you what you charge. Here are a few ways that you can become a tutor.
Stylist
Do you have a great sense of style and know how to find a deal? Being a teen stylist is a great way to earn some extra money. The great thing about this teen job is that you are a walking advertisement for your services. When someone tells you that they love your outfit, you simply respond by saying, “I have some style ideas that would love great on you, too!”
TeenVogue already has some tips to get you started! Be sure to stay updated on the latest trends and what kinds of fashions work for what bodies. Being able to explain your style is key to helping others find theirs.
Clothes Seller
If you love to shop, have an eye for quality brands, and don’t mind a jaunt to the post office, then consider selling your finds online. Whether you are selling last year’s clothes or finding gems at a thrift store, someone out there is looking for exactly what you have. Selling clothes online is an easy way for a 15-year-old to make money, requires no additional skills, and the only tool you need is a smartphone to snap pics and a wi-fi connection to use for selling them. There are a plethora of apps and websites to help your clothes find new owners. You can even raid your mom’s Goodwill bag and your friends’ hand-me-downs.
In-Home & Online Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Given the vast array of job options that are now available, you don’t even need to leave your house to make money. Here are some options for in-home and online jobs for 15-year-olds.
Baker
If you love to be in the kitchen, you can make some extra money out of this passion. From bread to brownies, selling home-baked goods is a great way to make money as a teen. The trick is to price your goodies to make a profit since this job requires a little capital to start. Most of what you need will be inexpensive – flour, sugar, oil, and yeast are a few things you’ll likely need on hand. If you’re a beginner, go here to learn more about how you can get started as a baker.
For most specific recipes, head to your local library. You’ll find a nearly endless selection of books to help your get started. Some libraries even let you check out cake pans to make an array of cake designs. From Elmo to book molds, you’ll likely be surprised at the selection you have to choose from – and it’s all free with a library card.
Blogger
Blogging isn’t new to most teens. In fact, many teens already write their own blogs. However, most don’t know how to use them to make money. If you already have an interest in blogging, then you could consider turning it into a job and picking up some extra cash in the process. The trick to making money as a teen blogger is understanding that it is a long process. This means that your blog must go beyond simple teen musings and have a focus. However, you should be passionate about your subject, so you don’t get bored. Add an assortment of pictures and videos to your blog posts, which could make them even more interesting and engaging to readers.
You must establish your blog as an authority and create your own website to blog from. Once you’ve started your blog and regularly publish posts, focus on building your audience. Optimizing your blog for search engines can help with this.
Once you have an audience, then you can make money blogging in a couple of ways.
- Get a sponsor. Consider your blog’s focus, then think about what businesses might like to advertise on your site to get exposure to your audience.
- Use affiliate links. Many organizations will want you to link to their products or services so that you earn a piece of the profit. Amazon is a great way to start this. It’s free and a great way to earn money. It just depends on your audience and their buying power.
Reviewer
Reviewing for cash works like blogging, and many people look for a teen’s perspective on books and movies. Some popular examples are music and book reviews. If you have a passion for music and listen to a wide variety of artists, reviewing new tunes or artists could be a great way to earn some cash. Likewise, if you’re an avid reader and blow through several books each month, then you probably have some opinions on what you’ve read. Why not share those opinions online and make a bit of cash while you’re doing it?
Your reviews can be in text form, like blog posts. However, that isn’t the only way to share reviews online. Another option would be to start your own YouTube channel and create review videos. If you’d like to speak without the added hassle of a camera and filming setup, you could find a happy medium through podcasting. Once you’ve built up traffic and an audience with your reviews, it’s possible to start making money.
Here’s more advice on how to create a job or career as a teen YouTuber:
Craft Seller
Many 15-year-olds have a passion for creating a particular kind of craft. Whatever your craft of choice is, it’s possible to begin selling your work and making a profit from it. For example, do you spend time knitting, cross-stitching, or painting to wind down? If you’re skilled enough, then consider listing your creations for sale. If you’re an artist or an illustrator, you could have prints created of your work. You could then list these prints for sale and ship them out to customers. It’s even possible to sell digital prints if you don’t have the resources to ship them through the mail. It’s just the time of year people are looking for unique and handmade gifts. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to list your unique gift options for sale.
You can also take commissions based on a person’s unique specifications. For instance, advertise that you can knit a scarf using a friend’s favorite color or cross-stitch their favorite quote. Illustrators or painters could paint from a picture for a unique holiday gift.
Learn more about how you can make money selling your very own crafts.
Survey Taker
Did you know that teens can make money by taking online surveys? You can, and you don’t need any skills to do it – just a smart device or computer and wi-fi. It’s generally simple work, too. You just fill out a variety of surveys to help companies get a clearer sense of what their customer base is looking for. Learn the basics of making money taking online surveys before you get started.
Several popular survey websites are available to choose from, which keep all the surveys you take compiled in one place. Just make an account on one of these sites and get to work!
Transcriptionist
There are many content creators on the internet who need transcription services. Essentially, the job of a 15-year-old transcriptionist is to take the audio-based content of other creators and write out what is being said, word for word. If you type fast and have clear hearing, then this could be a great job for you.
Sometimes, transcribing will mean that you’re taking an audio clip and turning it into a written text, all in a unique document. Alternatively, creating captions for audio-based content like videos or podcasts is also possible. If you’re interested in earning money as a transcriptionist, it might help to boost your speed. Here are some ways you can begin transcribing faster without sacrificing accuracy.
Video Game Tester
For many 15-year-olds, becoming a video game tester probably sounds like a dream job. And it could be for the right person. Most companies want someone who has a wide variety of game-playing experience and can work independently. Critical thinking skills are usually a must, too.
Generally, teen video game testers try out each and every setting that’s available on a game to get a clearer sense of what’s working and what isn’t. Your job is to catch any bugs, glitches, or other problems with the game if they exist somewhere. Learn more about how you can start working as a video game tester. A similar job would be to build for an established Minecraft gamer. Hone your building skills with these tips.
Creative Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
If you’re a visual artist, a creative writer, a graphic designer, or any other type of creative person, then it’s worth considering a creative job for 15-year-olds. Do what you love while also picking up a bit of extra cash for your creations.
Author
Are you a writer who isn’t interested in writing what other people tell you to write? Although it can be challenging to gain traction as a new author (regardless of your age), those who are passionate and dedicated enough can still get their author careers off the ground. You’ll need to write a story or some kind of book. It can be a novel, novella, or any kind of publishable text. Then, you’ll be able to self-publish your text online, letting people pay a small price to read it themselves. At this point, one of the most critical skills a self-published author can have is marketing their work. Learn more about how you can market yourself on the internet.
Digital Illustrator or Traditional Illustrator
If you’re a 15-year-old artist, then it’s never too early to get started on your job as an illustrator. You can complete artwork for other people on a commission basis, drawing and digitally creating whatever they need.
To gain attention, try posting your artwork on the internet, either in a digital portfolio or on a designated social media profile. Once people become interested in your work, you’ll start gaining clients and commission requests. Get started by creating your very own illustration portfolio. You can also make money as a 15-year-old by teaching younger kids how to draw, paint, or create using digital design tools.
Graphic Designer
If you have a knack for creating digital images that look appealing to the viewer, then you could consider becoming a 15-year-old graphic designer. Like with other creative jobs, of course, the best way to get started is to put together a digital portfolio of your work. In the digital age, the need for graphic design is everywhere. Whether your client needs an image created for personal use or for their company, there is no shortage of people in need of graphic design services.
Are you interested but don’t have much prior experience? All you need to get started is a creative mind and some computer skills. Then you could try learning or teaching yourself graphic design from scratch.
Makeup Artist
Being good at applying makeup isn’t a skill that everyone has. If your friends are always asking you to do their makeup, consider becoming a teenage makeup artist. The kind of jobs you take on can vary depending on where your specialty lies. For example, maybe you’ve taken part in the drama crew for several years and have a strong understanding of stage makeup. You might even have a special effect or prosthetic experience, which can be used in a number of ways, from stage shows to independent movies.
If you’re more comfortable with glam or even just day-to-day makeup looks, then advertise your services ahead of prom or homecoming dances. Be sure to have lots of examples of your own makeup (or makeup you’ve done for friends) to showcase your skills to would-be clients. If you’re comfortable working with adults, look for local weddings or gala events where people want stylized makeup options. Your first job is to practice! The more versatility and knowledge you have about skin and working with different facial structures, the better prepared you’ll be.
Putting on makeup for someone else is different than putting it on yourself, so you might need a refresher on the basics. Just go here for a guide to getting started.
Music Teacher
Fifteen-year-old musicians can share their knowledge with others to make some extra money. The more instruments you’re skilled with, the more opportunities you’ll have to tutor other people. Whether you’re a vocalist or play an instrument, it is possible to help others develop their musical abilities through lessons. There are several settings where you could provide music lessons, of course—they could be private lessons, but you could also provide lessons to those in a community center, church, or another kind of public space.
While many music teachers are likely in your area, their skill set and experience often come at a high price. Start with beginners and keep your costs below the experts to get work quickly. Some parents are simply looking for something creative for their kids to do and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for professional lessons. This is a great way to advertise to parents of younger kids. Learn more about advertising music lessons.
Musician
Band life often means late hours, which isn’t great for a 15-year-old looking for a job. However, many places are looking for daytime musicians. If a restaurant has a brunch, ask if they would consider light guitar or piano music for tips. Talk with the local drama club or live theater to see if they need musicians for the pit or during intermission. Learn the local bands and volunteer to be a stand-in in the event someone can’t make it to a gig. Don’t forget to check out churches; some even pay their musicians.
Here are some other ways a teen can make money making music.
Write Songs
If you prefer to work behind a desk rather than behind a microphone, consider entering songwriting contests. Though it’s not a sure-fire way to make money as a teen, if you do win, the rewards can be very high. For instance, the John Lennon Songwriting Contest is open to all ages and has prizes of up to $20,000.
Seasonal Jobs for 15-Year-Olds
Some jobs for 15-year-olds are really only needed during a particular season or time of year. Here are a few seasonal jobs for teens looking to make money.
Lifeguard
Do you love spending time at the pool or on the beach over the summer? Are you a strong swimmer? If so, you may consider becoming a lifeguard.
Due to the responsibility that’s required, not everyone can become a lifeguard. After all, you’re being tasked with protecting the lives and safety of people at the pool or beach. Before getting a lifeguarding position, you’ll need to acquire all the necessary certifications and training. Learn more about how to get a job as a lifeguard here.
Leaf Raking
During the fall months, there’s a more significant demand than ever for people willing to rake the leaves in people’s yards. Since many property owners don’t have the time or ability to take care of the job on their own, it isn’t uncommon for them to hire outsiders to rake leaves.
Even better, your supply list will be pretty small. A rake and some roomy leaf bags are all you need. If the community you live in has deadlines for yard waste disposal, your neighbors will be looking for someone to rake. You could also turn leaf raking into a more regular gig by offering to mow their lawns at a lower rate. Here’s a guide to raking leaves like a pro.
Christmas Tree Remover
Once the holiday season is over, homeowners across the country are looking to toss their live trees. This can be a messy job, so come prepared by learning how to remove these trees without spending extra time with a vacuum. If you’re a 15-year-old looking to make a quick dollar, post your price for tree removal to an app like Nextdoor or Facebook to find nearby homes in need of Christmas tree removal.
Although this job can only be performed during the holidays, it’s still a worthwhile way to make some cash when the opportunity strikes. It’s also a great way to advertise your services for raking, mowing, or other yard work.
Gift Wrapper
If you’re proud of your gift-wrapping abilities, work as a gift wrapper around the holiday season. Gift wrapping is a necessity during the holidays, and it’s one you don’t need extensive experience to do well. Decide whether you want to provide the wrapping, ribbon, and bows before you set your gift wrapping prices, as these tools will affect your bottom line. You could also collect all the brown paper bags sitting around the house, decorate them with markers and paint, then use that to offer truly unique gift wrapping.
It’s early in the year, so if your gift wrapping skills are rusty, don’t worry. Just take some time to practice. Before you know it, you’ll be the best gift wrapper in your community.
Earn Money as a 15-year-old by Embracing Your Talents
Even if you can’t work for an employer, you can still get a job as a 15-year-old. There are many ways that you can start making extra money now. You just need to know what your options are and where to look.
Although the job options available to 15-year-olds for work can feel limited, there are more possibilities for earning money than many probably realize. Think beyond babysitting and focus on what makes you happy. From there, see how you can use your natural skills to earn some money.
